Needing more carbs to lose weight?

[AKmama08]

Some background: Been on the plan for over 6 weeks. Did induction for about 2.5 weeks (clean). I have only had two slip-ups which have been around TOM & they were LC foods (batch of PB cheesecake balls & too many macadamia nuts---about 2 cups in a sitting). Anyhow, I am at the same weight I was after the first 3 weeks. I dipped to 137 briefly in the 3rd week, but went back up. My eating hasn't changed much...still lots of the same LC high fat things. My carbs stay under 30 total grams/day. I don't eat many sweetners, occasionally coffee, enjoy a diet soda now and again. I eat between 1900-2300cals/day. I chase around my active 19 month old all day, and massage in the evenings. I do cardio 5-6 days/ wk for 45m-1hr. Lift heavy weights 3-4 days/wk. What is going on!?! My measurements haven't changed in over a week...and it was verrrry minimal from weeks 3-6 anyways. So I was wondering, since I am more active do I need more carbs to lose weight? I am feeling so great with this WOE, but starting to get annoyed at this 3+ week stall. I know it's not suppose to be instant, but maybe a half pound a week? Something? Anything?!

[Looweewoo]

Stalls are common at your point. I would wait before making very many changes as long as you are logging your food somewhere (Fitday or something) and are sure you are eating on plan. Later you may find that you need to adjust something, but probably not yet.

With all your activity you are probably exchanging fat for muscle, which will show changes in measurements with little or no change in weight. With heavy weight lifting there is also some inflammation that might be holding water. Both of those are temporary compared to a new way of eating and the habits you will be building.

Wait it out. Someone with your stats and lifestyle will be posting soon to give more detailed advice and encouragement.

[chiody]

What Lou succintly suggests, and perhaps with this time of yr., the climate may affect metabolic rate? Your increase in activity is the right thing to do IMHO. Great numbers though.....

[Minnas]

Is the exercise plan a new thing or have you been doing that (prior to starting low carb?)

[cnmLisa]

Plus...

From your stats it looks like you are only about 10 pounds from goal.

Weight loss slows (slooooows) this close to goal.

You might find that although you are active, as you are close to goal, you may need to begin cutting calories and watching portions. You are not as big as you were in the beginning and as you lose weight, your caloric needs decrease also. I don't mean drastically to the 1000-1200 range, but to the 1600-1800 range because you are so active I'd probably shoot for the 1800 range.

Also, the more important question is...are you shrinking? Like Lou mentioned, with all your working, out most likely, you are exchanging fat for muscle.

May I suggest also is that if you do begin to add more carbohydrate, follow the carb ladder. Instead of adding 1 food every week, choose to add in one new food every 2 weeks--this way you will really know how it affects you, i.e., cravings, intolerances etc. This is how I found out that I couldn't tolerate strawberries--blue/black/raspberries not a problem.

Last but not least, it's not about the "number". I always ask myself, would I rather be 150 and wear a size 8 or 150 and wear a size 12. That's a no-brainer in my opinion.

Keep moving forward. Stick to plan.

Lisa

[rotten]

This time around i did almost the same thing you did (minus the exercise)
I started, lost some weight in a few weeks, then stalled for about 5 weeks. After that i lost some more, then stalled a bit again. Just stay on plan and ride it out.

Make sure of the carb count of what you are eating. Read the labels and measure the things you need too, don't just guess. I have a friend who is low carbing who made the statement, "i can eat sausage and it's safe right?" No, not really. Depending on which brand and which variety. Look for hidden carbs in your diet.

As long as you are keeping the carbs below 20, the weight loss will start again.

[jskn]

Follow the plan as written(it works!) and climb the carb ladder. As you add in more carbs (in the form of veggies/ berries etc) you should cut back on higher fat/calorie items.

[GennieF]

For me, after a certain point I did need to watch calories. I could maintain on doing lots of low carb "fatty items" (600+ calories of cream in my morning coffee alone! ) but to get a loss going again, I had to start taking an active role in watching what I ate

[mayleesa]

please tell me....u said u started on the 4th of november....were u 210 THEN cause good gracious that's incredible loss in that short of time!?!?

however DONT give up over a small stall...keep at it girl!!!

[Leo41]

Unless you have a typo in your post, it's not more carbs that you need but fewer calories.

You write about having 2 cups of macadamia nuts at one sitting. According to calorie king, ONE cup is 959 calories, so you would have had 1900 calories of nuts alone as a 'snack.'

Something like that would easily stall weight loss.

[StarsInEyes]

I would say watch your calories for a few days and see if that helps. I know for me I have to watch both my calories and my carbs. I actually lose weight if I eat between 1200-1400 calories, and have anywhere from 30-50 carbs a day.

Sometimes VLC helps me, but generally I lose weight at a much better rate sticking to 30-50 carbs a day. Odd how that works out now compared to 6 years ago when I first lost 30lbs following induction, but my body must be different now.

[Kiley2801]

Yep being that close to goal, I agree you may need to reduce your calories. You can calculate your calorie needs and how many you need to lose weight at free dieting dot com.

[AKmama08]

Originally Posted by Looweewoo

Stalls are common at your point. I would wait before making very many changes as long as you are logging your food somewhere (Fitday or something) and are sure you are eating on plan. Later you may find that you need to adjust something, but probably not yet.

With all your activity you are probably exchanging fat for muscle, which will show changes in measurements with little or no change in weight. With heavy weight lifting there is also some inflammation that might be holding water. Both of those are temporary compared to a new way of eating and the habits you will be building.

Wait it out. Someone with your stats and lifestyle will be posting soon to give more detailed advice and encouragement.

I hope that's what's happening...but the 2lb gain? I started this WOE (have been a work in progress) on 11/4 at 145.6lbs. My measurements have stalled...this is what's most frusterating! Didn't know about the weight lifting & inflammation, but makes sense. Thanks =)

[AKmama08]

Originally Posted by chiody

What Lou succintly suggests, and perhaps with this time of yr., the climate may affect metabolic rate? Your increase in activity is the right thing to do IMHO. Great numbers though.....

What metabolic rate...I don't have a thyroid! Just upped my meds to get my body temp up though...hopefully that will help (the t4 metabolism pill) when it kicks in fully over the next couple weeks. Thanks!

[AKmama08]

Originally Posted by Sharis

Is the exercise plan a new thing or have you been doing that (prior to starting low carb?)

I've been consistantly exercising since March of this year. Started slowly to get where I am at today. Amoungst many diets along the way!

[AKmama08]

Originally Posted by cnmLisa

Plus...

From your stats it looks like you are only about 10 pounds from goal.

Weight loss slows (slooooows) this close to goal.

You might find that although you are active, as you are close to goal, you may need to begin cutting calories and watching portions. You are not as big as you were in the beginning and as you lose weight, your caloric needs decrease also. I don't mean drastically to the 1000-1200 range, but to the 1600-1800 range because you are so active I'd probably shoot for the 1800 range.

Also, the more important question is...are you shrinking? Like Lou mentioned, with all your working, out most likely, you are exchanging fat for muscle.

May I suggest also is that if you do begin to add more carbohydrate, follow the carb ladder. Instead of adding 1 food every week, choose to add in one new food every 2 weeks--this way you will really know how it affects you, i.e., cravings, intolerances etc. This is how I found out that I couldn't tolerate strawberries--blue/black/raspberries not a problem.

Last but not least, it's not about the "number". I always ask myself, would I rather be 150 and wear a size 8 or 150 and wear a size 12. That's a no-brainer in my opinion.

Keep moving forward. Stick to plan.

Lisa

Thanks for your insight...I am 10lbs from my goal, but could stand to lose 20. I have a very tiny frame, so a little extra doesn't look too bad on me. I really want to reduce my bf% mostly, which according to my scale is 30% (which I believe based on when I was thinner 7 yrs ago & had a bf% almost half of that). I forgot to mention that I'm still nursing my DS...so that's mostly why my calories are a bit higher. Need a few extra hundred to supply that. Now I'm thinking I might need to wean completely to lose the last pounds. My shrinkage has stalled 2 weeks. =( That's a good way to add in carbs slowly..I know I can't tolerate grains, wheat products, etc...just have been scared to add in fruits! I tend to go overboard with sweets and have no self control.

[AKmama08]

Originally Posted by rotten

This time around i did almost the same thing you did (minus the exercise)
I started, lost some weight in a few weeks, then stalled for about 5 weeks. After that i lost some more, then stalled a bit again. Just stay on plan and ride it out.

Make sure of the carb count of what you are eating. Read the labels and measure the things you need too, don't just guess. I have a friend who is low carbing who made the statement, "i can eat sausage and it's safe right?" No, not really. Depending on which brand and which variety. Look for hidden carbs in your diet.

As long as you are keeping the carbs below 20, the weight loss will start again.

I am soo diligent with this. Record everything on spark people & enter in from my labels, not what their site suggests...weight & measure. Ugh! I will definitely ride it out because I love this WOE. It's helped me in so many other areas than just the weight loss aspect. Something I plan to stick with!

[AKmama08]

Originally Posted by GennieF

For me, after a certain point I did need to watch calories. I could maintain on doing lots of low carb "fatty items" (600+ calories of cream in my morning coffee alone! ) but to get a loss going again, I had to start taking an active role in watching what I ate

Yeah it's so true. I do eat pretty clean and healthy for the most part! A diet soda is as bad as it gets.

[AKmama08]

Originally Posted by mayleesa

please tell me....u said u started on the 4th of november....were u 210 THEN cause good gracious that's incredible loss in that short of time!?!?

however DONT give up over a small stall...keep at it girl!!!

I wish! Been a work in progress since Oct 08. Started this WOE at 145.6. Did everything else inbetween to get to where I started here. WW, vegan, you name it! I just never felt good. Eating this way I feel great. Cravings subsided for the most part (besides with that TOM rolls around and hormones go whacky). I'm a blood type O and this way is recommended for optimal health. Thanks!

[AKmama08]

Originally Posted by Leo41

Unless you have a typo in your post, it's not more carbs that you need but fewer calories.

You write about having 2 cups of macadamia nuts at one sitting. According to calorie king, ONE cup is 959 calories, so you would have had 1900 calories of nuts alone as a 'snack.'

Something like that would easily stall weight loss.

That was a one time slip-up/binge when I ate all that. TOM=time of month... =) I no longer will buy them because I know I have no self control when it comes to nuts in general.

[AKmama08]

Originally Posted by StarsInEyes

I would say watch your calories for a few days and see if that helps. I know for me I have to watch both my calories and my carbs. I actually lose weight if I eat between 1200-1400 calories, and have anywhere from 30-50 carbs a day.

Sometimes VLC helps me, but generally I lose weight at a much better rate sticking to 30-50 carbs a day. Odd how that works out now compared to 6 years ago when I first lost 30lbs following induction, but my body must be different now.

Are you very active too? If I go VLC I tend to get lightheaded (under 20)...so I try to stay under 30 for total carbs, not net.

[Looweewoo]

Originally Posted by AKmama08

I don't have a thyroid!

Oh... that makes a huge difference.

[Minnas]

Hmm, I am tempted to suggest you look at lowering your calories just a bit on days you aren't lifting and see what happens.

Are you eating a lot of dairy or nuts (other than your macadamia nut attack)? Even before cutting calories I might look at cutting out known stallers like dairy and nuts unless cutting calories seems less painful. ( I tell you if the smallest amount of cream cheese crosses my lips it's all over for a week for me.)

Do you suspect anything in your diet is problematic for you? I think sometimes we have feelings about these things. If you do that might give you a place to start. Change one thing this week - whatever seems to make the most sense be it cutting cheese or calories or whatever - and see what happens.

My last thought is to pay close attention to what you are doing and record/journal it as much as possible so you have a clear record to look back on so you can know what is really going on. I think if you play around with it a little you will come up with something.

[AKmama08]

Originally Posted by Sharis

Hmm, I am tempted to suggest you look at lowering your calories just a bit on days you aren't lifting and see what happens.

Are you eating a lot of dairy or nuts (other than your macadamia nut attack)? Even before cutting calories I might look at cutting out known stallers like dairy and nuts unless cutting calories seems less painful. ( I tell you if the smallest amount of cream cheese crosses my lips it's all over for a week for me.)

Do you suspect anything in your diet is problematic for you? I think sometimes we have feelings about these things. If you do that might give you a place to start. Change one thing this week - whatever seems to make the most sense be it cutting cheese or calories or whatever - and see what happens.

My last thought is to pay close attention to what you are doing and record/journal it as much as possible so you have a clear record to look back on so you can know what is really going on. I think if you play around with it a little you will come up with something.

Not a lot of dairy and no nuts. I know they're trouble for me! I think you're right...I'm going to cut out the colby cheese in place for mozzarella (what I ate in induction). Maybe one less egg at breakfast too; usually have 3. I don't have cream cheese often, but will watch it now! Especially since I just discovered the rotel dish. =) I don't digest dairy very well before eating this way...just always ignored my body. So I do know that much! Thanks for the insight!

[CarolynF]

Even if you are optimized with your thyroid meds, your calories do count alot. You have lost weight, so you aren't dragging those extra pounds around (while you chase your little one). Cut back on your calories to around 1500-1700 and see what happens.

[cnmLisa]

Originally Posted by AKmama08

Thanks for your insight...I am 10lbs from my goal, but could stand to lose 20. I have a very tiny frame, so a little extra doesn't look too bad on me. I really want to reduce my bf% mostly, which according to my scale is 30% (which I believe based on when I was thinner 7 yrs ago & had a bf% almost half of that). I forgot to mention that I'm still nursing my DS...so that's mostly why my calories are a bit higher. Need a few extra hundred to supply that. Now I'm thinking I might need to wean completely to lose the last pounds. My shrinkage has stalled 2 weeks. =( That's a good way to add in carbs slowly..I know I can't tolerate grains, wheat products, etc...just have been scared to add in fruits! I tend to go overboard with sweets and have no self control.

Well...that will be the trade-off. Keep your calories where they are and continue with a good milk supply, or begin to wean and decrease your calories which may or may not affect your milk supply. If you find that your milk supply is beginning to decrease--try fenugreek--most women find that their supply drastically increases within 48-72 hours.

A stall would be considered 4 weeks without loss of weight or inches. Perhaps your'e just in a holding pattern. Nothing wrong with that. You can't expect for the shrinkage or loss to be linear. I call it fits and spurts.

and...last but not least. It's from my own experience that I decided to introduce a new food every 2 weeks instead of every week. I have accepted that I will never be able to eat from the last to rungs of the carb ladder, and I have to be careful with fruits---which illicit horrible cravings for me. I can live my life on berries alone--but not strawberries.

[StarsInEyes]

Originally Posted by AKmama08

Are you very active too? If I go VLC I tend to get lightheaded (under 20)...so I try to stay under 30 for total carbs, not net.

I have been a bit more active lately, and I'm definetally not as active as I was years ago which is thanks to my desk job. I try to aim for 20-45 minutes of cardio 5 days a week. Last week it was probably about 20 minutes of cardio every other day. I'm glad I have a gym at work that I can use for an hour during the work day. I try to split up my cardio using the work gym and then my own gym.

When I first was on induction in 2003, I did a lot of cardio but it was mostly walking, biking, and any other form of "easy" exercise. But at the end of the day I might have done about 2 hours worth of easy exercise which I think helped me alot when I first started. I remember I got in shape pretty quickly.